Bryant White of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies joins Connecting with Conservation to unpack modern trapping, Best Management Practices (BMPs), and why regulated trapping remains a critical wildlife management tool. From river otter and beaver restoration to managing human–wildlife conflicts and protecting infrastructure, he explains how agencies use trapping for conservation, public safety, and habitat health.The discussion covers AFWA’s decades-long BMP research, rising trapper numbers, the North American Trapper Education Course, and a new video series aimed at hunters and the public. The hosts and Bryant also tackle persistent myths about trapping—addressing regulation, humaneness, and the broad conservation benefits funded by hunters, anglers, trappers, and shooters.For more information:Wildlife Management Institute: https://wildlifemanagement.instituteOutdoor Stewards of Conservation: https://outdoorstewards.orgAssociation of Fish and Wildlife Agencies: https://fishwildlife.org#wildlifeconservation #trapping #furbearers #hunting #fishing #humanwildlifeconflict #wildlifemanagement #conservation #BMPs #afwa #trappereducation #furbearers #otters #beavers #coyotes #raccoons #publiclands #outdoors #huntingcommunity #conservationfunding #wildlifemanagementinstitute #outdoorstewards

In this episode of Connecting with Conservation, hosts Jon Gassett and Jim Curcuruto sit down with Corey Mason, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President of Conservation at the Wild Sheep Foundation. Corey shares his extensive background—from his time at Texas Parks and Wildlife to international conservation work—while explaining the unique challenges facing wild sheep across North America and beyond. Listeners get an insider’s look at the habitat, natural history, and incredible resilience of these iconic mountain species.

The conversation digs into the major threats wild sheep face today, including disease transmission, predation, habitat degradation, climate impacts, and human disturbance. Corey explains how the Wild Sheep Foundation has invested over $110 million into conservation projects, supporting agencies and partners across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Central Asia. From innovative disease‑management strategies to prescribed fire and water distribution improvements, this episode highlights the passion, science, and partnerships driving modern sheep conservation.

For more information:

Wildlife Management Institute: https:// wildlifemanagement.institute

Outdoor Stewards of Conservation: https:// conservationstewards.org

Wild Sheep Foundation: https:// wildsheepfoundation.org

#WildSheep #SheepConservation #wildlifeconservation #mountainhunting #bighornsheep #DallSheep #StoneSheep #habitatrestoration #wildlifemanagement #DiseaseResearch #conservationfunding #WesternWildlife #outdoorstewards #BackcountryWildlife #sustainablehunting #connectingwithconservation #WildSheepFoundation #wildlifemanagementinstitute #wildlife

In this episode of Connecting with Conservation, hosts Jon Gassett and Jim Curcuruto sit down with Dr. Julie Thorstenson, Executive Director of the Native American Fish and Wildlife Society. Julie shares her remarkable journey from wildlife habitat restoration on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation to leading a national organization dedicated to supporting tribal conservation efforts. Her insights reveal the complexity of managing fish, wildlife, and ecosystems across tribal lands and the importance of integrating traditional ecological knowledge into modern conservation strategies.The conversation explores pressing issues such as invasive species management, climate adaptation, and funding inequities that tribes face. Julie highlights innovative projects like beaver relocation, feral horse management, and youth education programs aimed at growing the next generation of Native conservation leaders. This episode is a powerful reminder that conservation is not just science—it’s culture, resilience, and collaboration. Tune in to learn how tribal voices are shaping the future of wildlife management in North America.For more information:Wildlife Management Institute: https://wildlifemanagement.instituteOutdoor Stewards of Conservation: https://outdoorstewards.orgNative American Fish and Wildlife Society: https://nafws.org#wildlifeconservation #nativeamerican #indigenousleadership #fishandwildlife #habitatrestoration #climateadaptation #invasivespecies #BeaverRestoration #FeralHorses #conservationeducation #tribalsovereignty #TraditionalEcologicalKnowledge #outdoorstewards #wildlifemanagementinstitute #wildlifemanagement #connectingwithconservation #conservationfunding #sustainableecosystems #YouthInConservation #environmentalstewardship #IndigenousConservation